The Labor enquirer., 1887-03-12
THE KNIGHTS or LABOR.
Preamble and Declaration Of Principles
Of This Great and Growing
Order Of fWorkingmen.

The alarming development and aggressive
ness of great capitalists and corporations, un-
less checked, will inevitably lead to the
pauperization and hopeless degradation of
the toiling masses.
1t is imperative, If we desire to enjoy the
full blessings Of life, that. a check be placed
upon unjust accumulation, and the power for
evil ofaggregated wealth
This much-desired object can be accom-
plished only by the united efforts OF those
who obey the divine Injunction, ain the
sweat of thy faoe esilalc thou eat bread"
Therefore we have formed the Order OF
knights of Labor, for the purpose OF organiz
Ing and directing the power Of the Industrial
masses. not as political party, for 1t is more
- IN ii are crystalized sentiments and meas.
rres for the benefit of the whole people, but
IL should be borne In mind, when exercising
the right oil Suffrage, that most Of the objects
herein set iorth can only be obtained through
legislation. and that 1t is the duty OF all to as
sist IN nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates a will pledge
their support to those measures, regardless OF
party. But no one shall, however, be COM
PEELED to vote with the majority, and calling
upon all who believe In securing "the greatest
good to the greatest number" to Join and as.
sist US, we declare to the world that our aims
are: 'N
l. To make industrial and moral WORTH not
wealth, the true standard Of individual and
Nationafgreatness
II. To secure to the workers the full enjoy
ment Of the wealth they create, sufficient
leisure in which to develop their intellectual,
moral and social faculties; all Of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures of association; In a
word, to enable them to share in the gains
and honors of advancing civilization.
In order to secure these results, we demand
of the STATE:
Ill. The establishment of Bureaus of Labor
Statistics. that we may arrive at correct
knowledge of the educational moral and fl
nancial condition of the laboring masses.
Nv. That the public lands, the heritage ol
the people, be reserved for actual settlers; moi
another acre for railroads or speculators, and
that all lands now held for speculative pur
poses be taxed TO their full value.
V. The abrogation OF all laws that do moi
rear equally upon capital and labor, and the
removal Of unjust technicalities, delays and
Determinations In the administration o
justice.
| vi. The adoption Of measures providing
for the health and safety Of those engaged IL
mining. manufacturing and building Indus
tries, and for 10 those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack 0
necessary safeguards.
VII The recognition by Incorporation, O
trades, unions, orders, and such other assocla
tions as may be organized by the working
masses to improve their condition and pro
tect their rights.
| VIII. The enactment Of laws to compe
corporations TO pay their employees weekly
In lawful money, for the labor of the preced
Ing week, and giving mechanics and laborer
a first lien upon the product Of their labor u
the extent Of their full wages.
TX. The abolition Of the contract system OF
National, State and Municipal works.
X. The enactment Of laws providing for al
bitration between employers and employed
and to enforce the decision OF the arbItrators
| Al. 4 ne prOnlDltiOH Dy law oi the culpioy
ment OF children under IS years Of age ii
workshops, mines and factories.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out Of convic
labor.
XIII. That graduated income tax b
levieo. =
And we demand at the hands of CINsREss
XIV. The establishment Of a National mon
etary system. In which a circulating medium
in necessary quantity shall Issue direct to tn
people. without the Intervention OF banks
that all the National issue shall be full legs
tender in payment Of all debts, public an,
private: and that the Government shall no
guarantee or recognize any private banks, o
create any banking corporations.
XIV. That interest bearing bonds, bills q
credit OF notes shalr never be issued by tn
Government but that. when need arises. tn
emergency shall be met by issue Of legal Tel
der, MISUNDERSTANDING money.
| XVI. That the Importation OF foreign labo
under contract be prohibited.
] XVII. That In connection with the pos